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Viewpoint: Peak provides learning experience

By Kierra Jones Having lived in Powell River my whole life, I thought I knew most of what the city had to offer—nice people, great camping and beautiful lakes, all somewhat confined by the ferry system.

By Kierra Jones Having lived in Powell River my whole life, I thought I knew most of what the city had to offer—nice people, great camping and beautiful lakes, all somewhat confined by the ferry system. Working as a student reporter at the Powell River Peak has shown me how wrong I was. I now see Powell River as a vibrant, welcoming community with something for everyone.

Working at the Peak has been a sharp but exciting learning curve. I’ve had the opportunity to cover real issues that affect my community, as well as real life experiences of its residents. I’ve experienced some of the rich culture of Powell River, whether it be through writing about events such as Arts Alive in the Park, or meeting with the artisans and creators themselves. I’ve even had the opportunity to re-experience some of my best childhood memories through taking pictures at events such as Texada Sandcastle Weekend and the Sea Fair Parade.

What has impressed me most of all though, is the people I’ve met. First, there was Craig Lee and Dan Gaudreau of Powell River Rod and Gun Club, who offered to take me out and teach me how to shoot a firearm. As a long-time vegetarian who had never even considered shooting a gun, I was a bit intimidated, but to my great excitement, with Lee and Gaudreau’s helpful guidance, I was able to hit a couple of targets.

Then there were Wayne and Margy Lutz, who went out of their way to invite me to their cabin up the lake, treating me to a grand tour and giving me a window into their everyday life. I even got a small tour of Powell Lake which, to my surprise, taught me some new things about the lake I have been coming to ever since I was a toddler.

Then, of course, there was the countless other incredible people I interviewed—national bike race participant Patrick Paquette, co-organizer of Powell River’s first Pride event Emily Anderson, and Jake Corbett, who has circled Inland Lake hundreds of times, to name just a few.

Most of all though, I enjoyed writing the Open Arms series, focused on new residents’ experiences in Powell River. It was truly inspiring to hear what joy people have in living here. Hearing these residents’ stories gave me a new appreciation for the city I have taken for granted most of my life.

Of course, there were some not-so-great parts, such as having to approach and talk to random tourists, a true challenge for someone as shy as me, or trying to reach a persistently absent person over the phone. Overall though, my experience with the Peak has given me a different perspective on the community I grew up in, showing me how inspirational, welcoming and downright fun it can be.

Kierra Jones is a third-year journalism student at Carleton University in Ottawa who grew up in Powell River and worked at the Peak from early July through to the end of August.